Deadline: September 29, 2026
Applications are open for the InnovateHERs Scholarship Challenge 2026. The InnovateHERs Scholarship Challenge supports female high school students interested in business and entrepreneurship through scholarships awarded for innovative business plan submissions. Students from any country can participate by submitting a concise two-page business plan for a real or hypothetical product or service.
Women bring unique perspectives, creative ideas, and the dedication necessary to launch successful businesses that benefit their communities. Yet very few resources exist for young women who want to start businesses, facing stereotypes, biases, financial struggles, and other challenges along the way.
Scholarship
- The value of the scholarship is $500.
Eligibility
- Open to support female students who plan to spend their careers as entrepreneurs and business leaders.
- Any female-identifying high school student with an interest in pursuing business may apply.
Grading Rubric
- Creativity & Innovation: Unique idea, fresh approach, imaginative solution – 10 pts
- Clarity of Concept: Clear and compelling explanation; easy to understand – 10 pts
- Feasibility & Practicality: Realistic plan given the concept (even if hypothetical) – 10 pts
- Market Understanding: Clear target audience, market need identified – 5 pts
- Value Proposition: Strong differentiation from competitors – 5 pts
- Financial Plan: Realistic, well-thought-out costs, funding, and revenue projections – 10 pts
- Presentation & Organization: Professional format, well-structured, within page limit – 5 pts
Application
No essay required! Instead, submit a compelling two-page business plan for a product or service of your choice, real or hypothetical. Your plan will be judged on innovation, vision, and practicality.
- Business Name & Concept: A short elevator pitch (1–3 sentences) explaining your idea.
- Product or Service Description: What it is, how it works, and what problem it solves.
- Visual Representation: At least one image or design: a mockup, prototype photo, sketch, or model.
- Target Market: Who it’s for and why they would buy it.
- Value Proposition: Why your idea stands out from competitors.
- Financial Plan: Startup costs, expenses, revenue estimates, and potential funding sources.
- Implementation Plan: A rough timeline and key steps for bringing the idea to life.
- Social Impact (optional): Any positive societal or environmental effect of your business.
You can apply as:
For more information, visit InnovateHERs Scholarship Challenge.
